Donald Trump said he expects meaningful progress in negotiations with Iran by the end of this week, signaling that a deal requiring Tehran to give up its enriched uranium is within reach. The statement adds momentum to talks that have already produced what Trump described as a “largely negotiated” memorandum of understanding.

What’s on the table

The prospective framework agreement centers on several pillars: Iran’s commitment to refrain from developing nuclear weapons, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping, potential sanctions relief for Tehran, and the disposition of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. According to IAEA data, Iran possesses approximately 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, a level that approaches weapons-grade thresholds.

Trump has framed the requirement for Iran to surrender its enriched uranium as a non-negotiable component. Iran has shown willingness to negotiate on several key issues, but last-minute changes and setbacks have complicated the discussions throughout.

The talks have involved Pakistan as a mediator and are unfolding against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire following US and Israeli military strikes.

Trump has referenced the 2015 JCPOA, the Obama-era nuclear agreement he withdrew from during his first term, as a benchmark. US officials have emphasized that any new deal must include stronger, verifiable nuclear limitations than the original accord provided.

The crypto connection

Positive news around deal progress has preceded Bitcoin rallies, with the price reaching highs around $74,000 during periods of peak optimism. Conversely, adverse military actions triggered sell-offs across major cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin falling below $100,000 during military strikes in 2025.

US authorities have recently seized over $1 billion in Iranian-linked digital assets, primarily Bitcoin, as part of sanctions enforcement efforts. Those seizures underscore the degree to which crypto has become embedded in the geopolitical conflict itself as a tool for sanctions evasion.

What this means for investors

The $1 billion-plus in seized Iranian crypto assets introduces a separate risk vector, highlighting intensifying regulatory scrutiny of digital currencies in the context of national security. Investors should consider whether expanded sanctions enforcement could lead to broader compliance requirements or restrictions that affect market liquidity.

Trump’s stated expectation of progress by week’s end gives markets a concrete timeline to price against, and crypto traders should prepare for volatility in either direction as that deadline approaches.